Carbon nanotubes: materials for medicinal chemistry and biotechnological applications

Carbon nanotubes are considered as molecular wires exhibiting novel properties for diverse applications including medicinal and biotechnological purposes. Surface chemistry on carbon nanotubes results on their solubilization in organic solvents and/or aqueous/physiological media. Herein, we will present how interfacing such novel carbon-based nanomaterials with biological systems may lead to new applications in diagnostics, vaccine and drug delivery. Recent developments in this rapidly growing field will be presented thus suggesting exciting opportunities for the utilization of carbon nanotubes as useful tools for biotechnological applications. Emphasis will be placed in the integration of biomaterials with carbon nanotubes, which enables the use of such hybrid systems as biosensor devices, immunosensors and DNA-sensors.